Heat Rash

Heat rash is a common skin condition, characterized by reddish itchy eruptions. Itching is a common symptom associated with the rash. It usually affects the covered areas of the body, like the back, chest and abdominal regions.

Causes of heat rash

As the name implies, heat rash is caused by hot and humid climatic conditions. Excessive perspiration damages the cells on the outer skin layer and prevents further sweat from being generated. The trapped sweat appears as bumps on the outer skin surface. It usually affects children, due to the hours spent outside, playing.

Types of heat rash

• Prickly heat: Known as miliaria rubra, this is the most common form of heat rash. The name “prickly” aptly describes the stinging sensation that is associated with this condition. Itching is a common symptom that is associated with this variant of heat rash. These are observed as clusters in the folds of skin.

• Miliaria Crystallina: This type of heat rash occurs due to the blocking of the sweat ducts. It is characterized by small clear cysts that appear on the skin, minus the redness, associated with prickly heat rash. It usually occurs in the head, upper chest or neck region.

Heat rash treatments

Treatment for heat rash mainly involves removing or avoiding the condition that triggers the infection. Avoiding the heat and wearing clothes that suit the humid climate is suggested. Cold compress goes a long way in bringing relief to the rashes. There are also medicated talcs available in the market that helps in combating this skin condition. Calamine lotion is also very effective in curing heat rashes.